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The tourism and hospitality sectors have great potential for job creation and income generation. However, the historical reliance on ecologically damaging practices and prioritisation of foreign visitors over local culture and social inclusivity has resulted in high vulnerability to economic fluctuations influenced by global trends and markets.
Swisscontact takes a systemic approach to fostering sustainable tourism, focusing on minimising negative impacts on the environment. We aim to promote economic benefits, empower local communities, preserve cultural heritage, mitigate climate change, and ensure long-term success and resilience. We collaborate with governments, destination managers, the private sector, training providers and community groups – together, building a form of tourism that benefits present and future generations. Our expertise in around 20 countries for more than 20 years, allows us to tackle the challenges of sustainable tourism on a global scale.
Swisscontact’s approach integrates demand-oriented analysis, visitor understanding, product development potential and sector interlinking. It guarantees the development of territories and tourism destinations that attract desired visitors, while ensuring competitive, sustainable and inclusive outcomes. Swisscontact addresses tourism development challenges in two ways:
Swisscontact collaborates closely with various stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sector, including public institutions, private entities, civil society, academia, and international organisations. Successful and sustainable tourism relies heavily on the entrepreneurial spirit of the private sector; that it may embrace sustainable behaviours, practices and commitments. This includes adopting environmentally-friendly measures and adhering to gender and social responsibilities and fair labour conditions. Swisscontact's projects enhance private and public sector engagement in supporting sustainable tourism development.
Our approach involves systemic thinking, which includes conducting integrated destination assessments to evaluate the socio-cultural, economic and environmental impacts of tourism. We also focus on the capacity-building and skills development of local stakeholders, promoting market linkages and entrepreneurship opportunities within the private sector, and empowering communities to drive inclusive tourism development. By facilitating stakeholder collaboration, we aim to create better places for both current and future generations to live and visit. In addition, Swisscontact offers a comprehensive range of tailored advisory, training, and research services to address specific challenges in sustainable tourism development. These services are designed to support the entire tourism value chain.
Swisscontact’s interventions create better enabling conditions, foster inclusive growth and maximise positive tourism impacts. We provide relevant solutions to achieve balanced tourism sector growth, by adopting circular economy practices within tourism businesses and destinations, taking regenerative approaches with the local communities, and mitigating climate and environmental risks.
Discover how we can help your destination become more inclusive, resilient and sustainable.